Regular preventive care of teeth and gums isn’t only crucial for maintaining oral health but also plays a pivotal role in overall health.
In New Mexico, access to adequate oral healthcare remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities. Unfortunately, many rural areas in New Mexico lack sufficient oral healthcare infrastructure, leaving residents, especially children, vulnerable to dental issues.
At Delta Dental of New Mexico, our purpose is to improve the overall health and smiles of the people we serve. Now, we are working on promising solutions that will pave the way for healthier smiles across our state.
Understanding New Mexican’s limited access to oral healthcare
To grasp the scope of the oral healthcare access issue in our state, consider these facts:
- New Mexico ranks as the fifth largest state in the U.S. by square miles but is the 36th most populated.
- New Mexico’s overall population density is among the lowest in the country, with most counties designated as dental health shortage areas.
- With fewer than 1,000 practicing dental providers in the state, access to oral healthcare is severely limited.
While the physical landscape in New Mexico plays a role in inadequate access to oral healthcare, other factors contribute to the oral health disparities in rural communities including:
- Geographic isolation
- Lower oral health literacy
- Inadequate transportation
- High poverty rates
- Lack of dental insurance
- Non-fluoridated water in some areas
- Shortage of dental providers
Addressing oral healthcare disparities in New Mexico
At Delta Dental of New Mexico, we understand the importance of high-quality oral healthcare for the people in our state. Therefore, we are partnering with other organizations that are working on creating solutions to enhance oral health access statewide.
One promising solution to decrease oral healthcare disparities is oral health integration. This involves incorporating basic or preventive dental care into primary care settings. This approach aims to expand access to dental services for underserved populations. It does so by fostering collaboration between dental and primary care providers. Co-location of services enhances communication and coordination, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.
Additionally, innovative programs like mobile oral health clinics have proven successful in reaching rural communities. These mobile units deliver preventive care, x-rays, and dental procedures directly to population centers, overcoming barriers such as transportation and geographic isolation.
Furthermore, advancements in telemedicine, exemplified by platforms like Teledentistry.com, offer round-the-clock access to virtual dental consultations. This technology empowers individuals in rural areas to seek dental care conveniently and safely, regardless of location.
By embracing integration, mobile clinics, telemedicine, and other innovative approaches, Delta Dental of New Mexico and our partners are making strides toward improving oral and overall health for all its residents.
Improving access to oral healthcare is Delta Dental of New Mexico’s priority
Access to preventive oral healthcare is a fundamental component of overall well-being, yet many rural communities in our state face significant barriers to receiving such care. By addressing the unique challenges of geographic isolation, limited resources, and provider shortages, we can ensure that all New Mexicans have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.
Through collaboration, innovation, and strategic initiatives, we can bridge the gap in oral health disparities and pave the way for healthier communities across the state.